Why where your tongue is resting Matters this new year

The New Year is a natural time for fresh starts. Many families in Buffalo and Western NY begin January thinking about better sleep, improved focus, and healthier daily habits.

Here’s one simple question that can make a meaningful difference:

Where is your tongue resting right now?

Tongue posture may seem minor, but it plays a significant role in breathing, sleep quality, and oral health. As an orofacial myofunctional therapist in Buffalo, NY, I often see how small, unnoticed habits quietly shape long-term wellness.

Why Tongue Posture Matters

Proper tongue resting posture supports:

• Healthy nasal breathing

• More restful sleep

• Balanced jaw and facial development

• Efficient swallowing and clear speech

• Long-term orthodontic stability

When the tongue rests low or forward, other muscles often compensate. Over time, this can contribute to mouth breathing, tension, and disrupted sleep.

Common Signs to Watch For

Tongue posture concerns may show up as:

• Mouth breathing (day or night)

• Snoring or restless sleep

• Teeth grinding or clenching

• Forward head posture

• Crowded teeth or a narrow palate

• Speech differences (such as “L” sounding like “Y”)

• Dry mouth or increased cavities

These are common reasons families seek mouth breathing treatment in Buffalo, NY.

Beyond Willpower

Being told to “close your mouth” or “keep your tongue up” rarely leads to lasting change. Improving tongue posture requires retraining muscle strength, coordination, breathing habits, and long-standing patterns—not just good intentions.

How Myofunctional Therapy Helps

At Buffalo Myo, orofacial myofunctional therapy provides a structured, supportive path forward by:

• Building tongue strength, tone, and coordination

• Establishing proper resting posture

• Supporting nasal breathing

• Reducing jaw and facial tension

• Creating habits that carry into sleep and daily life

Progress comes from small, consistent steps—not quick fixes.

A Simple New Year Check-In

Take a moment:

• Relax your shoulders

• Gently close your lips

• Notice where your tongue is resting

If it’s low or forward, treat that as helpful awareness—not judgment.

The New Year isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Small shifts in breathing and oral posture can lead to meaningful improvements in sleep, focus, and overall health.

If you or your child are working toward better breathing or sleep this year, myofunctional therapy in Buffalo and Western New York may address an important missing piece.

Mouth breathing face can be reversed